Blazes

Q: When I see a double blaze, indicating a turn, is it always clear which way I should turn, or is it a guess?A: No, it is not always clear which way to turn. In some places, offset blazes indicate the turn of direction (upper blaze being the direction of travel), in others they do not. But in general you should be able to see the next blaze from where you are standing. 

Campsites

Q: Can you Backpack setting up camp along the way? Using the Leave no Trace method? Meaning not in a managed campsite of any type.
A: It depends when and where you are hiking. During hunting seasons on certain public lands, you MUST use designated campsites. On many others, you can camp where and where you wish using LNT principles. 

Maps

Q: Where can I get maps of the Florida Trail?
A: Maps are available at the Florida Trail Association’s office and our online store. In addition, maps are available for all three National Forests the trail passes through from the USDA Forest Service and their district ranger offices. 

Mileage

Q: How do I figure out the mileage between points on the Trail?
A: Our published map set and the Florida Trail Companion Guide for Long Distance Hikers contain information on campsites and campgrounds, water sources, trailhead locations and nearby towns that can be used for re-supply and mail drops. Be aware however, that the Florida Trail is evolving at a rapid pace in some areas as the trail is moved from private land and roads into a protected corridor. Maps and books only a few months old may be out of date and private landowners may change their access policies at any time. Check our Notices to Hikers and and subscribe to the FT-L mailing list to keep current.
 

Shelters

Q: Are shelters available along the Trail?
A: There are currently only seven hiker shelters along the Florida Trail. It is therefore necessary for you to provide your own tent. We recommend tents, bivys or hammocks with no-see-um netting. 

Traffic on the Trail

Q: How many hikers would one expect to meet on any given day in the months of January, February, and March?
A: It depends on where you are and when. On weekends in the Ocala National Forest or Little-Big Econ, dozens. In the middle of Big Cypress, probably no one but your group. Day use is heavy on weekends but mainly in state parks and areas near urban centers. During the week, the trail is yours.